Alex Ruben
How To Fix the Emp.dll Missing Error When Running Red Dead Redemption 2 in FitGirl Repack (2025)
If you’ve ever tried launching Red Dead Redemption 2 from a FitGirl repack and suddenly run into that annoying “EMP.dll is missing” error, you’re not the only one. It’s kind of weird, but Windows security features and corrupted files can cause this. The main goal here is to trick Windows into leaving your game alone, get the missing DLL, and make sure everything runs smoothly again. Sometimes, it just takes a few tweaks to the security settings, or downloading the right DLL files, and you’re back in business. This guide is a colección of quick fixes based on real-world experience — hopefully one of these methods does the trick.
How to Fix the ‘EMP.dll is Missing’ Error in Red Dead Redemption 2
Method 1: Temporarily Disable Windows Security (Real-Time Protection)
This step helps because Windows sometimes flags or blocks DLL files during scans, especially when you manually download fixes from the internet. Disabling real-time protection isn’t the best long-term idea, but it’s a quick way to check if Windows is the culprit. On some setups, it might even help the fixes to stick without interference. Just remember to turn it back on afterward.
- Open your Start Menu and type
Windows Security, then open it. - Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection.
- Click on Manage settings.
- Find the Real-time protection toggle and switch it off. Confirm any prompts asking for permission.
Doing this can sometimes stop Windows from auto-quarantining or blocking the DLL fix files. On some machines, the protection kicks back on after reboot or after a while, so keep an eye on that. Just don’t forget to turn it back on when done.
Method 2: Download the Correct EMP.dll Fix Files
Because of course Windows has to make everything more complicated than it needs, sometimes the DLL really is missing or corrupted, and the only fix is a replacement. You can find reliable DLL files from download links shared by others, like on GitHub or gaming forums. Just be sure to grab from legit sources to avoid malware.
Here’s a handy link I found that worked for quite a few people: GitHub Repository: Winhance. Download the file, then open the folder, and locate the DLL. If you got a ZIP, extract it first using Right-click > Extract All.
Method 3: Replace the Missing DLL in Your Game Folder
Once you have the correct DLL, it’s time to put it in the right place. Usually, it’s in the game’s main directory or within an application subfolder. Here’s how to do it:
- Copy the downloaded DLL file.
- Navigate to your game installation folder — often in C:\Games\Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Right-click and select Paste. If prompted about replacing files, choose Replace the files in the destination.
This is often enough for the DLL error to disappear. On one machine it fixed everything immediately — on another, you might need to re-launch again or restart your PC. Not sure why that happens, but it’s worth trying.
Method 4: Add Your Game Folder to Windows Exclusions
You might notice Windows Security still blocks or quarantines files even after fixing, which could bring the error right back. Adding the game folder to exclusions is a way to tell Windows “Hey, I trust this folder.”
- Open Windows Security again.
- Scroll down to Add or remove exclusions and click that.
- Select Add an exclusion > Folder.
- Navigate to your game directory (e.g.,
C:\Games\Red Dead Redemption 2) and select it.
Once done, Windows shouldn’t interfere with files in that folder anymore. This tends to make the error stay gone, or at least reduces the chances of it popping back up.
Method 5: Reactivate Real-Time Protection
Here’s the tricky part: after adding your folder to exclusions, don’t forget to turn safety back on. You definitely wanna keep your system shielded. Just go back to Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection and toggle Real-time protection back on. That way, your PC stays safe, but your game is exempt from fussing.
Method 6: Launch the Game Again
Now that everything’s in place, double-click your game shortcut, or launch through your preferred launcher. Give it about a minute or so to load — sometimes, the DLL errors are just a timing thing. If nothing crashes or complains anymore, you’re probably good to go.
Extra Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Double-check your Windows is up to date — outdated Windows can cause weird compatibility issues.
- Make sure no other third-party antivirus software is doing the same thing as Windows Defender, blocking DLLs or quarantining files.
- If problems keep happening, try reinstalling the game or replacing the DLL again, maybe the file got corrupted or outdated.
Wrap-up
Fixing the missing DLL isn’t exactly rocket science once you pin down the culprit. Usually, it’s Windows blocking or corrupt files, or maybe a bad download. Using these methods, you should be able to get past the error and jump back into your game.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone, or at least gets a game up and running without tearing out hair—good luck!
Summary
- Temporarily disable Windows security to check if it’s blocking DLLs.
- Download the correct EMP.dll file from a trusted source.
- Replace the missing DLL in your game folder.
- Add your game folder to Windows exclusions to prevent future blocks.
- Remember to re-enable Windows security afterward.